PEOPLE are being warned not to reveal their bank details to the ever-growing army of unsolicited charity collectors.

Charities have long used face-to-face collections, either in the street or knocking door-to-door, as a method of raising funds.

But according to Stockton Borough Council it is also becoming more common to ask consumers to set up a Direct Debit, rather than make a cash donation.

The council's trading standards officers are urging people to remember to never give out bank details to unsolicited callers at their home.

Councillor Steve Nelson, the council's cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: "The problem is, people may feel pressurised into giving personal financial details before they have made the necessary checks that a caller is genuine.

"Security is of the utmost importance and consumers should never give out details to anyone who has approached them unsolicited.

"I don't want to deter people from giving, but we recommend they send donations directly to the charity. It may take a little more time and effort, but at least you know they will receive the whole of your donation."

The authority issues licences and permits to organisations wanting to carry out charity collections in the borough, and residents can check on-line which organisations have obtained the correct permit to carry out door-to-door or street collections, and the dates they will be in certain areas.

The charity collection diary can be viewed at www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/stockton/ licensing.htm#charity